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Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes November 9, 1999 • Page 4 I Mr. Horst stated that the merchants have been involved in the discussions about landscaping, and 2 was under the impression that mostly bushes would be planted as opposed to tall trees that would 3 obscure the view of the businesses. 4 Faust restated his suggestion about incorporating a minimum assessment agreement so that the 5 City would be protected in the future and would be able to retain the tax rate if the property sold. 6 Furthermore, he suggested that the agreement incorporate language that would require the Center 7 owners to agree to an amount that the property was worth in order to receive TIF financing. 8 Ranallo expressed concern about item nos. 12 and 13 of the Letter of Understanding and inquired 9 if those items could be eliminated. He supported the Plan, and agreed with Marks about the 10 possibility of moving the gazebo to a quieter spot, but he was reluctant to tie a future City I I Council with the situations posed in items 12 and 13. 12 Morrison clarified that the items specify "negotiations" and that the City would not be committed 13 to following through with any sale that is not desired. 14 Ranallo requested that City Attorney Bill Soth review the Letter of Understanding. Morrison replied that Mr. Soth has reviewed the Letter, and clarified that this is more of a policy issue up to the City. 17 Thuesen stated that he respected Ranallo's hesitation about item nos. 12 and 13, but he believed 18 that the City would benefit from keeping those items in place and exploring those issues. He 19 would be reluctant to limit the City's options by excluding the issues presented in item nos. 12 20 and 13. 21 Marks agreed with Thuesen and believed that the way item nos. 12 and 13 were written, that a 22 future Council would not be tied into any course of action. He felt that those issues provided an 23 opportunity to negotiate. Marks stressed that he believed the project as a whole should move 24 ahead with all due speed. 25 Cavanaugh disagreed because, he stated, there is a sum of money available until the end of the 26 year that is driving the agenda for the redevelopment. He believed there are unresolved issues, 27 Morrison acknowledged that the pace is fast; however, if the funds available are not allocated by 28 the end of this year, it could be more difficult to put the plan together and arrange for alternative 29 funding. 30 Ranallo suggested that he felt the public would want to be aware of potential changes, such as moving the fire station or closing the liquor store, and advised the Commissioners to obtain public input.